Where Did the Swamp Cooler Get Its Name?

A swamp cooler is a pretty common kind of air conditioning unit used here in El Paso, but why is it called the swamp cooler? Well, it’s often referred to as a swamp cooler because it uses pads and moisture to cool your house. While the use of moisture is part of the reason why they were dubbed this odd name, swamp coolers actually have a pretty cool history! First, let’s talk about how a swamp cooler works.

How Does a Swamp Cooler Work?

Swamp coolers work by taking in hot, dry air and using it to evaporate the water from its pads, which then turns into cooler air. This cooler air is then sent to different rooms of the house. Because the swamp cooler works by taking in hot air, opening doors and windows can help control the flow of cool air throughout the house. Also take note of the fact that a swamp cooler needs hot, dry air to work properly. This means that, despite the name, swamp coolers can’t actually cool swamps.

The History of Swamp Coolers

The origins of swamp coolers can actually be traced back to Egyptian times when the pharaohs used jars of water, ponds, and pools to cool an area. They even installed water chutes in the walls of their buildings that helped to cool a building down. These trends continued throughout the region, reaching many places with hot and dry climates. Fast-forward a few hundred years, to the 16th and 17th centuries, and we have inventors and scientists, like Leonardo da Vinci and Blaise Pascal, who invented and defined new technologies and scientific laws that further advanced the development of air conditioners. These scientific advancements were crucial in the creation of the first air conditioner.

It wasn’t until the early 20th century that inventors, such as Willis Carrier, began creating the first air conditioner prototypes. Before then, one of the few models patented involved using a horse to spin a turbine that melted ice and then cooled the area via evaporation. Once Willis Carrier had a successful idea for the everyday central air conditioner, he opened his own business called the Carrier Engineering Corp, where he made and distributed air conditioners. Throughout the 20th century, air conditioners continued to improve and become more popular and attainable.

Where Did the Name Come From?

We know what you’re thinking. None of this really answers the question at hand; how did the swamp cooler get its name? Well, the fact of the matter is, it’s still up for debate. The most common answer you’ll hear is the fact that if a swamp cooler isn’t regularly cleaned, it’ll begin to smell like a swamp. Nobody wants that. To ensure your swamp cooler doesn’t live up to its name, you’ll want to have it properly maintained and cleaned regularly.

Mechanical Technologies Can Help

While the name is still up for debate, the need for regular maintenance on swamp coolers is not. Whether you need an AC installation or repair, we’re the people to call! Contact Mechanical Technologies today!

Mr Zubiate